This post leads the play team in the Emergency Department at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which covers children and young people aged 0 to 16. The work centres on planning play activities chosen around child development, and using play therapies to help children through hospital procedures. Working alongside the multidisciplinary team and families, the post-holder also works shifts. A healthcare play foundation degree is essential, and membership of a professional body is also required.
What the job involves
- Lead and manage the play team, ensuring shared standards and developing staff in practice
- Co-ordinate planned play activities for children and young people aged 0 to 16, reviewing and developing services with the Paediatric lead
- Maintain a safe, child-focused environment where play is encouraged for all children attending the Emergency Department
- Guide play support to meet the diverse needs of all children attending the hospital
- Choose play activities using knowledge of child development, considering psychological and emotional needs
- Deliver alternative play therapies for patients undergoing hospital procedures
- Work with the multidisciplinary team, carers and families to promote play during hospital attendance
- Document play interventions in line with Trust record keeping standards
- Report safeguarding and child protection concerns to the nurse in charge
- Seek feedback from patients and families on play services to promote a positive patient experience
- Act as a visible role model for professional behaviour and appearance
- Undertake delegated tasks set by the departmental manager, including health and safety responsibilities
What’s required
Qualifications
- Foundation degree in healthcare play specialism
Registration & licences
- Membership of a professional body
Experience
- Experience working with children and young people
- Experience working in a hospital setting
- Experience working with parents and extended families
- Documented evidence of continuing professional development
Skills & knowledge
- Knowledge of child development
- Knowledge of paediatric safeguarding and confidentiality
- Knowledge of the professional code of practice and its application to practice
- Ability to evaluate and reflect on own practice
Other
- Adaptable, approachable, and able to use tact, empathy and discretion
- Enthusiasm for professional and personal development
- Prepared to undertake further training
- Willing to support the development of the service
- Ability to work shifts
Nice to have
- NHS training in paediatric safeguarding
- Training for working with adolescents
- Food hygiene certificate
- Manual handling training
- Experience working as a team member
- Knowledge of clinical governance and consent issues
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 4 Paediatric Play Specialist in Sutton Coldfield
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like The Methodist Church in Britain often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Methodist Church in Britain
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at The Methodist Church in Britain. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at The Methodist Church in Britain.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at The Methodist Church in Britain.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at The Methodist Church in Britain.
